Sec. 502. Space technology program
291 words·~1 min read·
/bill/113/hr/2616/ih/section-502·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
The Administrator shall establish a space technology program to enable research and development on advanced space technologies and systems that are independent of specific space mission flight projects. The program shall support— early-stage concepts and innovation; development of innovative technologies in areas such as in-space chemical and electrical propulsion, power generation and storage, liquid rocket propulsion, avionics, structures, and materials that may enable new approaches to human and robotic space missions; flight demonstrations of technologies, including those that have the potential to benefit multiple NASA mission directorates, other Federal Government agencies, and the commercial space industry;
NASA commitments to Small Business Innovation Research
(SBIR)and Small Business Technology Transfer
(STTR)programs and activities; and research, development, and demonstration of enabling technologies in support of future exploration missions. In conducting the space technology program established under this section, the Administrator shall— to the maximum extent practicable, use a competitive process to select projects to be supported as part of the program; make use of small satellites and NASA suborbital platforms, to the extent practicable, to demonstrate space technology concepts and developments; and undertake partnerships with other Federal agencies, universities, private industry, and other spacefaring nations, as appropriate. Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate a report comparing NASA’s space technology investments with the 16 high-priority technology areas identified by the National Academies in the National Research Council’s report on NASA’s Space Technology Roadmaps. The Administrator shall identify how NASA will address any gaps between the agency’s investments and the recommended technology areas, including a projection of funding requirements.